Multi-level transportation vehicle

ABSTRACT

A freight carrier such as a railroad car is provided having sections which fold either upwardly or downwardly and inwardly from a stored position to an operational position which provides a supplementary level. Means are provided on the sections for supporting a subsequent section to be installed to aid a single operator in installing the supplementary floor. In the installed position, the sections have joining means which self-support the load and transmit lading shearing and bending moments between the sections so that additional supports from the floor are not required. In one embodiment the lowering into position of one section acts to disengage a subsequent section from a stored position so that it is ready for movement into the installed position. Several embodiments are disclosed directed to safety means to avoid the sections or platens releasing and harming the operator or others in the car.

United States Patent Thornton et al.

MULTl-LEVEL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE Inventors: Duane V. Thornton, St.Charles;

Walter E. OLeary. Creve Coeur; Jan D. Holt, St. Charles. all of Mo.

ACF Industries, Incorporated, New York, NY.

Filed: Mar. 29, 1973 Appl. No.: 346,061

Assignee:

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Torbin 105/375 Papanicolaou etal. 1 14/72 Apr. 8, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT A freight carrier such as arailroad car is provided having sections which fold either upwardly ordownwardly and inwardly from a stored position to an operationalposition which provides a supplementary level. Means are provided on thesections for supporting a subsequent section to be installed to aid asingle operator in installing the supplementary floor. 1n the installedposition, the sections have joining means which self-support the loadand transmit lading shearing and bending moments between the sections sothat additional supports from the floor are not required. In oneembodiment the lowering into position of one section acts to disengage asubsequent section from a stored position so that it is ready formovement into the installed position. Several embodiments are discloseddirected to safety means to avoid the sections or platens releasing andharming the operator or others in the car.

50 Claims, 43 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3W5 saainsnrz} 0 w 0 31.. COM) Ma4 3 z J 0 0 0 4/ 0 J w 0 a l 2 a m o m o o 3 5 lllllllll FIG. 29.

MULTl-LEVEL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE BACKGROUNF OF THE INVENTION There iscurrent interest in multi-level loading of box cars. Rubbermanufacturers, for example. are interested in such a car because certaintypes of baled syn thetic rubber are extremely sensitive to cold flow(time dependent deformation under load). Unit loads of synthetic rubberof this type cannot be stacked unless they are either contained in arigid package, or supported independently. for example, by a system ofracks.

Other ladings which are particularly adaptable to multi-level loadinginclude. for example, furniture and light bulb containers, which havelimited stacking capability. With two or more levels of loading, a boxcar can be loaded to its full capacity easily.

It has already been proposed in the art to provide a box ear withoptional levels in which deck members fitting across the car mayalternately be stored, for example, in the floor portion and then whenthe optional level is to be utilized. the deck members put into place.See, for example, Stiles U.S. Pat. No. 382,843 (I888). One disadvantageof this type of optional level is that it is difficult for one man tohandle such heavy individual pieces. From the point of view of cost andconvenience. it would be better to have a system utilizing deck sectionswhich could be handled by one man.

One solution to this problem is to provide foldable deck sections. See,for example, Sweeley, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,077,650 I937). Decksections are privoted along both walls and fold down to make thesupplementary level. Support members are folded upwardly from the floorat the jointure of the deck sections. This construction suffers from thedisadvantage that the lading must be loaded around the support members.Furthermore, the support members may be damaged by the lading and viceversa.

Other proposals for foldable sections have usually required extrasupport for the foldable sections at their joining point. See. forexample, Howd U.S. Pat. No.

I,230,484 wherein T-beam supports are utilized.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a box carwhich has one or more optional floors or levels.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a box car inwhich ladings have limited stacking capability may be easily loaded andat the same time nearly all available space in the car utilized.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a box carwherein ladings, which have limited resistance, to stress or deformationunder load. can be easily and quickly loaded without imposing excessivestresses, and without the use of complicated or expensive containers orcrates.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a box carwherein all available space in the car may be easily and quicklyutilized.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a box carhaving supplementary flooring which can be installed and put intostorage position by a single operator.

It is another object of the present invention to provide supplementaryflooring which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

it is another object of the present invention to provide supplementaryflooring which does not have vertical support members which interferewith the loading and unloading of the lading, and which may damage thelading during transit, or which may be damaged by the lading duringtransit SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects are achieved byproviding a freight carrier such as a railroad car having sections whichfold either upwardly or downwardly and inwardly from a stored positionto an operational position which provides a supplementary level. Meansare provided on the sections for supporting a subsequent section to beinstalled to aid a single operator in installing the supplementaryfloor. In the installed position, the sections having joining meanswhich self-support the load so that additional supports from the floorare not required. In one embodiment the lowering into position of onesection acts to disengage a subsequent section from a stored position sothat it is ready for movement into the installed position. Severalembodiments are disclosed directed to safety means to avoid the platensreleasing and harming the operator or others in the car.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of amulti-level box car according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a multi-level box car accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a supplementary box carlevel:

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of one locking arrangement for locking theplatens in place in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are views respectively along the lines 4A, 4B. and4C in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of another platen locking arrangement accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 5A; 5B and 5C are sectional views respectively along the lines 5A,5B and SC of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another platen locking arrangementaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view along line 6A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a view of an automatic platen locking arrangement according tothe present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views respectively along the lines 7A and 7B of FIG.7;

FIG. 8 is a view of a pin locking arrangement according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8A is a view along the lines 8A-8A of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an elevation of another platen locking arrangement accordingto the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are sectional views respectively along the lines 9A and9B of FIG. 9;

FIG. I0 is an elevational view along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. II is an enlarged plan view illustrating supporting means for theplatens in operative position according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12A, lZB and 12C are plan views illustrating various storingarrangements for the platens in stored position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-level boxcar according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of a supplementary level of theembodiment shown in FIG. 13'.

FIG. I5 is a perspective detailed view of an exemplary engagementassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an clevational view illustrating the engagement assembly andthe guide means according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an elevational view illustrating the transfer of ladingweight to the platen support means by the en gagement assembly accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a view along the lines l8l8 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a structure for holding theplatens in stored position according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another structure for holding theplatens in stored position according to the present invention;

FIG. 2l is a perspective view showing another structure for holding theplatens in stored position according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view along line 2323 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a torsion rod.

FIG. 25 is a view showing another structure for storing platensaccording to the present invention:

FIG. 26 is a sectional view along line 26-26 of FIG.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view illustrating a structure for operating anarrangement of platens from a stored position to a position to receiveIading.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings. a freight car indicatedgenerally at is illustrated having a conventional center sill I] whichhouses conventional coupling apparatus indicated generally at 12.

As shown in FIG. I, the car further comprises end walls l4 and I6 andside walls 18, and 22. 24 which are separated by conventional doors l9and 23, respectively. on either side of the car. A conventional roof anda conventional floor 27 are also provided.

According to the present invention. means for pro viding a supplementaryfloor indicated generally at 30 are provided. The means comprise aplurality of platens 32, 34 which are mounted in storing position on thecar wall and which are folded into engagement as shown in FIG. I. Asshown schematically in FIG. 2, the platens may be mounted so as to foldupwardly or downwardly, as desired. into operational position forproviding a supplementary floor. from a storing position in which platenlatch means 35 maintains the platens in storing position until it isdesired to unfold them to form the supplementary floor. The platens 32.34 may be made of suitable construction material such as metal. wood. orsynthetic constructional material. The platens are pivotally mounted bysuitable platen hinge means 36 to the side of the car. Hinge means 36may comprise, for example. a plurality of bracket type members 37mounted upon the car side wall and affixed to the platen. as shown inFIG. 4. A pin 39 may then be inserted within bracket members 37 toprovide pivotal movement.

A feature of the present invention is the provision of locking means 40between the platens which is selfsupporting and will transmit ladingshear and bending moment between the platens, and thus becomeessentially integral beams in the extended position so that additionalsupports from the floor or additional channel members. l-beams orT-beams are not required. For example. as shown in FIGS. 4 through 4c. alocking means may be provided in which a panel 51 may be provided with afirst channel 52 which has a larger cross-sectional opening than anadjacent channel 54 in panel 53. Thus. after the first panel 51 isrotated from a stored position about hinge means 36, the panel 53 isthen rotated upwardly into position and its channel 54 passes throughthe opening in channel 52. Then a locking assembly 55 which may includea wedge 56 and appropriate actuating means such as moving a lever 58 tothe right in FIG. 4 following cam opening 59in panel 5] is utilized tomaintain panels SI and 53 in engagement while the supplementary floor isutilized. After movement of lever 58 to the left in FIG. 4, panels 53and SI may be returned to their stored positions.

According to another embodiment, locking means 60 for panels 61 and 63is shown in FIGS. S-Sc. Each of the panels have openings thereinrespectively 62 and 64 and rotate from a stored position about hingemeans 36. Panel 64 would be rotated upwardly from a stored positionbelow hinge means 36. Then appropriate actuating means 65 such as alever 66 is moved to the right in FIG. 5 along cam opening 68 to move alocking block 69 into place to hold platens 6l and 63 in en gagement.Lever 66 is moved to the left to move block 69 out of engagement andfree panel 63.

In another embodiment of the panel latching means panel in FIGS. 6 and6a. a latching means 70 is shown for members 71 and 73. In thisembodiment the panel member 71 has a channel portion 72 of large openingcross section. Panel member 73, which folds down from above hinge means36, has a channel member of smaller cross section 74. After channelmember 74 is in place within channel member 72, lock actuating means 75is actuated, for example. by a lever 76 to move a member 77 havingflanges thereon 77 which engage corresponding flanges 720 on channelmember 72. Movement of lock actuating means 75 in the opposite directionwill. of course. relieve panel members 71 and 73 for replacement in thestored position on the side of the car.

The locking member 75 may be provided with a lock pin 79 shown in FIG.6B. spring loaded with a spring 79A which in the unlocked positionengages an opening 71A in channel 71 as shown in FIG. 6.

In still another embodiment. an automatic locking means 80 isillustrated in FIGS. 7, 7a and 7b. A first panel member 8l which mayeither be mounted above or below hinge means 36 is first moved intoposition. A second panel member 82 is brought down from the hingeposition above hinge means 36. The channel section 84 of panel member 82is made larger than the cross section ofa lock member 85 as shown inFIG. 7a. The locking means 86 includes the locking member 85 togetherwith a resilient means such as a coil spring 87 and a lock disengagementmeans 88. Spring 87 is biased to urge locking member into the extendedposition shown in FIG. 7. However. lever 88 which is pivoted about apoint 89 may be actuated to remove locking member 85 from panel 82 alongappropriate guide means 83 including, for example. a bottom portion 83aand flanges 83b.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 could also be uti lized if panel member82 is mounted below the hinge means 36 if locking member 85 is placed inthe stored position when panel member 82 is brought up from below hingemeans 36 and then locking means 88 actuated to move locking member 85into channel portion 84 of panel member 82.

In general. when panel member 81 is placed in the stored position alongthe side of the car. locking means 86 will be in the stored position inwhich locking member 85 does not extend significantly beyond the end ofpanel member 81.

FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate a pin locking means indi cated generally at90. Panel member 91 has a channel portion 92 of cross section greaterthan the channel portion 94 of panel member 93. Both channel members 92and 94 have openings 95 therein for insertion of a pin 96, preferablyhaving an appropriate flange 96a and retainer 97 to hold pin 96 inplace. To release the lock, retainer 97 is merely removed and pin 96manually removed by grasping flange 96a.

Pin 96 must be made of high strength material for many applications sothat no support members will be required when the lading is loaded ontothe supplementary deck. In general. high strength steel is the preferredmaterial for pin 96.

In general. the use of wedge or block locking means, such as shown inFIGS. 4-7, is preferred over the pin type locking means such as shown inFIGS. 8 and 8a for applications involving high lading stress on thesupplementary level. Wedge and block type locking means in generalprovide greater bearing areas for transfer of load. Furthermore, pintype locking means usually re quire holes in the deck members which canweaken the members. Also. pin type locking means exert considerablepressure on the walls of panel members which can nucleate cracks in theholes in the panel members under the influence of vehicle vibrations.

For illustrated purposes only, the panel members on the left have beenillustrated as having larger cross section and panel members on theright the smallerv Obviously. this could be reversed. Similarly, thelocking member has been illustrated as being mounted on the left panel.Obviously, it could also be on the right. Furthermore, the lockingmember need not always be located on the same side as the panel memberhaving the larger cross section. Such modifications are clearly withinthe skill of the art.

In another embodiment of the panel latching means shown in FIGS. 9. 9a.9b and 9c. the latching means 130 is shown for members 132 and 134. Inthis embodiment the panel members 132 and 134 have channel opening crosssections 136 and 138 of approximately the same size. The panels can befolded down from above hinge means 36 and locking means 140 can beactuatedv Channel 136 has a slot 142 as shown in FIG. 9 terminating inbored holes 143 and 144. Locking means 140 is used to move a lock member148 into locking position along a bottom portion 149 of channel 136 intoend section of channel 138 along bottom portion 150.

Locking means 140 comprises a threaded pin 152 which in assembly isthreaded into lock member 148. The other end of pin 152 has a head orshoulder 154 which restrains spring 156. Pin 152 and spring 156 have anouter housing 158 as shown in FIG. 9c. The operator, by grasping theenlarged knurled end 160 of sleeve 158 and pulling will overcome theresistance of spring 156 and pull sleeve 158 out of circular opening144. Locking member 148 can now be moved to the left with pin 152 guidedby slot 142 thus unlocking panels 132 and 134 for replacement in thestored position on the side of the transporting vehicle.

Sleeve 158 will seat in bored hole 143 thus retaining lock member 148 ina stored position. The process can be reversed by actuating end 160 andmoving lock member to the right.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a wide variety of lockingmeans may be utilized according to the present invention.

Means preferably are provided at either end of car for supporting thefirst panel unfolded. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, I0 and II, abracket or support ledge 101 is mounted on the rear wall by suitablefasteners or welding. It will be apparent that the end of car panelsupport means need only be provided for the first panel to be put inoperative position, for example 32 in FIG. 3; although if desiredsupport can be provided for the first of both panel members 32 and 34.

Means are also provided on one of the platens. for example on platens32, for supporting platen 34 when it is unfolded. For example. overlapblocks Ill may be mounted on platen 32 for this purpose. Moreover, meansare provided for supporting a subsequent platen 32 to be unfolded on thefirst platen 32 after it is folded into position. For example. overlapblocks 121 may be provided for this purpose. Furthermore. if desired,means 123, such as overlap blocks. may be provided on platens 34 forsupporting a subsequent platen to be unfolded. Also, if desired. overlapblocks 121 may also partially support panel 34 in addition to asubsequent panel 32 to be folded into position. so long as the operationof platen locking means 40 is not interfered with. Thus, after foldingthe second platen 32 into position, the platen is supported and theoperation can then use his strength in unfolding platen 34. After platen34 is unfolded, it is also supported and the operator can then actuatethe interlock means 40 to hold the panels in engagement. In this way. ifdesired, a single operator can carry out the entire opera tion ofinstalling a supplementary floorv Similarly. if desired, a singleoperator may remove the supplementary floor by carrying out the reverseprocedure to place the panels in the stored position on the sides of thecar.

A loading sequence for a two layer device illustrated at the righthandof FIG. 1 would include, for example. positioning the first unit oflading on car floor 27 at this end of car, and lowering the first platen32 into place supported by support means 100 and then loading the firstplaten 32. Then one or more additional units of lading may be placedbelow the portion which would be occupied by second platen 34. Thesecond platen is lowered into place. being supported by support means100 and/or support means 110. Interlock means 40 is actuated and thesecond platen is loaded with lading. This procedure is continued untilthis end of the car is loaded. If the entire car is a two floor levelcar. the opposite end should then be loaded in the same manner.

If desired, lading strap holes or anchors (not shown) may also beprovided for additionally securing the load. Suitable Iading restraintequipment (not shown) may be provided in the doorway during loading.

If three level loading is utilized. an exemplary loading sequence mayinclude the following: Positioning the first unit of lading on the carfloor at one end of the car. lowering the platen 32 of the firstsupplementary level in place above the lading on the floor and loadingthis platen with lading. Next. lower the first platen of the secondsupplementary level in place above the first platen of the firstsupplementary level and load the second supplementary level platen. Thenlower platen 34 of the first supplementary level. actuate the lockingmeans between platens 32 and 34. and then load platen 34. Then lowerplaten 34 from the second supplementary level. actuate the locking means40, and load platen 34 on the second supplementary level. This loadingsequence should be continued to the car doorway. The outer end should beloaded in a similar fashion.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that two, three. or evenmore layers could be provided following the same principles as describedherein above.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13-18. Inthis embodiment. a freight car indicated generally at 210 is illustratedhaving a conventional center sill 211 which houses conventional couplingapparatus indicated generally at 212.

As shown in FIG. 13, the car further comprises end walls 214 and 216 andside walls 218, 220; and 222, 224 which are separated by conventionaldoors 219 and 223. respectively on either side of the car. Aconventional roof 22S and a conventional floor 227 are also provided.

The optional flooring structure is indicated generally at 230 andcomprises a plurality of platens 232. 234. made of suitable constructionmaterial such as metal. wood. or synthetic construction material. Theplatens are pivotahly mounted by suitable platen mounting means 236 tothe side of the car. Platen mounting means 236 may comprise. forexample. a plurality of bracket-type members 237 (FIG. 18) mounted uponthe car side wall and affixed to the platen. A pin 239 may then beinserted within bracket members 237 to provide pivotal movement.

Platens 232 and 234 are joined together by interlocking means indicatedgenerally at 238 (FIG. 14). Interlocking means 238 preferably comprisehinge means 2380 the travel of which limits platens to an angle ofbending of up to about 180.

As shown best in FIGS. 14-17, the platens further comprise at one edgeguide means 240. Guide means 240 may comprise. for example. a channel241 which may be a part of the panel. or it may be fabricated separatelyand affixed to the panel. for example. by welding or appropriatefasteners. The channel members may comprise a track portion 242, a sidesupport 244, and a cover 246. A second side support 248 may have anopening 249 therein. When the panels are in the extended position. guidemeans 240 may be used to support adjacent panels to be moved from thestored to the extended position.

Alternate ones of the platens. for example platens 232, have mountedthereon a follower assembly 250. Follower assembly 250 may comprise aroller or caster member 252 which is mounted or journalled in a supportmember 254 which is pivoted about a pin 256. Pin 256 is appropriatelysupported. for example. within blocks 257 and 258. While a roller hasbeen illustrated as the member within the channel. it will be apparentto those skilled in the art that non-roller members could be utilized.For example. a member having an elongated point could be utilized.particularly if materials are utilized for the sliding member andchannel member. respectively, which have a low coefficient of frictionbetween them. The engagement assembly also includes means for urging theroller or sliding member into engagement with channel 241. Such meansmay include. for example. a resilient means 260 such as a spring orsuitable elastomeric pad (not shown). For instance. a spring 262 may bemounted between support 254 and the upper surface 233 of the platen,biased to urge roller 252 into engagement with channel 241.

Mounted opposite the platen mounting means 236 is a platen support means270. For example. a suitable bracket 272 may provide this support.Alternatively, the side of the car may be appropriately contoured withappropriate ridges and/or grooves to provide this support.

With regard to the end portion of the car. ridges or grooves may beprovided in the car wall or affixed thereto. as indicated at 274 in FIG.1 so that the end panels may ride therein when the end panels are putinto use to provide floors in the car. Alternatively. support means suchas in FIGS. 3 and 10-12 may be used.

To hold the platens in the stored position. a plurality of holdermembers 280 are provided. This may comprise. for example. a springloaded latch 282 including a vertical projection 284 to hold the platensin place.

A loading sequence for a two layer device illustrated at the righthandof FIG. 13 would include. for example. positioning the first unit oflading on car floor 227 at this end of car. and lowering the first setof platens 232 and 234 into place with sliding member or roller 252following a groove similar to 274 in the rear wall 216, and then loadingthe installed platens. Then one or more additional units of lading maybe placed below the portion which would be accupied by the second set ofplatens. The second set of platens is lowered into place by movingcaster 252 through guide means 240 and the second set of plates isloaded with lading. As shown in FIG. 17, as platen 23 is loaded withlading. the bias of resilient means 260 is overcome and the ladingweight is substantially transferred to support 270 rather than tofollower means 250 and guide means 240. This procedure is continueduntil this end of the car is loaded. if the entire car is a two floorlevel car. the opposite end may be loaded in the same manner.

If desired. lading strap holes or anchors may also be provided foradditionally securing the load. For example. a lading strap hole isillustrated in FIG. 14 at 276. Suitable lading restraint equipment (notshown) may be provided in the doorway during loading.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that two. three. or evenmore layers could be provided following the same principles as describedherein above. For example. as shown on the left side of FIG. 13, twoadditional layers L1 and L2 are illustrated.

If three level loading is utilized. an exemplary loading sequence mayinclude the following: positioning the first unit of lading on the carfloor at one end of the car, lowering the first set of platens of thefirst supplementary level in place above the lading on the floor andloading this set of platens with lading. Next. lower the first set ofplatens of the second supplementary level in place above the first setof platens of the first supplementary level and load the first set ofplatens of the second supplementary level platen. This loading sequenceshould be continued to the car doorway. The other end may be loaded in asimilar fashion.

Various platen storage patterns could be utilized. For example, allplatens could be placed on one side of the car, as shown in FIG. 12A, orall platens on end may be stored on one side of the car, and all platenson the other end of the car stored on the other side as illustrated inFIG. 12B. Alternatively. it is possible to stagger the platens duringstoring as illustrated in FIG. 12C. The arrangements in FIGS. 12B and12C are often preferred since they provide good balance in weightdistribution for the car. Where conservation of space must be maximizedthe arrangement shown in FIG. 12B is preferred.

As an operational sequence utilizing the safety features outlined and asshown by FIGS. 19 through 24, the following procedure can be followed toapply lading to the transportation vehicle. Lading can be placed onfloor 27 of vehicle shown in FIG. 29, which has platens stored similarto FIG. 12C and end platens 32-34 lowered into loading position. Toachieve this, the operator in one instance goes to end of car and loadsthe floor, then releases manual latch 400. Operator then pulls grabhandle 320 and lowers platens 32-34 being assisted by restrainingtorsion arrangement 500, which will be described hereinafter. Platenswill rest at end of vehicle on ledge 100.

As above was performed lowered leading corner of platen, either 32 or34, contacted base portion 301 of lever 302 which fulcrumed and raisedlatch arm 306. Latch 300 will remain released or open as platen isforcing it to an open position. The operator can now release manuallatch 400 and lower another set of platens. This can continue untilvehicle is loaded both on floor and on platen decks until doorway isreached. The same procedure can be followed on the other end of thevehicle.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention means areprovided which prevent the deck in upright position from falling uponthe operator. Means are provided so that the deck cannot be lowereduntil the adjacent deck is lowered. As shown in FIG. 19 platens 332 and334 are shown being lowered into position. A means 300 is indicatedgenerally for preventing the deck segments from being removed untilengaged by a previous platen. The means may comprise, for example. anarm 302 pivoted at a fulcrum point 304 and engaging a latch arm 306 withappropriate fasteners 307. Latch arm 306 is pivoted about a latch armpivot 308 so that when platen 334 engages the base portion 301 of arm302, latch arm 306 will move upwardly and outwardly so that the next setof platens 332 and 334 may be lowered.

Latch arm 306 preferably comprises an extended portion 311 and anengagement portion 313 having a taper thereon 314. Thus, when it isdesired to replace the platens 332, 334 in the upright position as shownin FIG. 19, the platen 332 will be cammed by the tapered surface 314 andwill then be held in engagement by the engagement portion 313. For manyapplications, gravity may be a sufficient means to hold engagementmember 313 in place. If desired, however, a compression resilient means315 may be provided. For example, including a compression spring 316appropriately mounted between a support 317 and latch arm 306.

Thus, in the event of impact on the transportation vehicle. the platenswill remain in the stored position.

Another embodiment of the safety latch provision of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 20. In this embodiment the safety latch means340 comprises a lever 341 which is pivoted about a pivot point 343 andengages a latch 345 with appropriate fasteners (not shown). Latch 345comprises an extended portion 347 and a platen engagement portion 348.Thus, in order to release a subsequent set of platens, platen 334 willengage tapered lug 342 and pivot lever 341 about the pivot 343. Latch345 will move in the direction of the arrow A2 and another set ofplatens 332, 334 will be disengaged to be placed in operative positionon the deck. As was the case in regard to the embodiment shown in FIG.19, latch engagement portion 348 may be tapered as shown at 350 and aspring 352 provided mounted upon the transportation vehicle side 354 andengaging lever 341. Thus, after the platens 332 and 334 have beenreleased and they are lowered into position, the latch arm 347 willreturn to its normal position. When it is desired to relatch the platensin the stored position, platen 332 will engage the taper 350 counteracting the action of compression spring 352 until such time as bothplatens 332, 334 are in position wherein the engagement portion 348 willhold them in the stored position until it is again desired to utilizethe supplementary floor.

Still another safety latch embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 21. In thisembodiment a safety latch system 360 is illustrated comprising avertically moving latch member 361 having a tapered engagement portion362. A strap or flange 363 is affixed to the transportation vehicle sideby appropriate fasteners (not shown). Thus. as platen 334 is moved intoposition it engages tapered portion 362 and moves latch 361 vertically.Thus, platens 332 and 334 are free to be moved into operative position.It will be noted in this embodiment that a notch is provided in platens332 and 334 as illustrated at 332A and 334A. In order to reengage theplatens in the stored position, platen 332 engages a taper 365 and moveslatch member 361 vertically until the platens fall into place.

It is therefore apparent that the safety features shown in FIGS. 19-21are designed to help protect the operator against unintentionalunlatching of the platens from the stored position.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, means areprovided which prevent the deck or platens, in an upright position,although they have been automatically unlatched, from falling on theoperator. A manually operated latch on means 400 is indicated generallyin FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. The means may comprise, for example, and arm 402pivoted at 404 and engaging a latch arm 406. Arm 406 has an engagementportion 408 for restraining platens until operator pulls on grab handle412 which is attached to chain 414 which in turn is attached to arm 402.The platens 32 and 34 are now completely unlatched and the operator canbe fully aware of the fact. He can now grasp handle 320 and lower saidplatens, being assisted by restraining torsion arrangement 500 whichwill be described later.

If desired, manually operated latch 400 can be further urged or held inlatched position by spring loading it as was described for automaticlatch 300.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 22, 23,and 24. This embodiment utilizes a torsion arrangement that will allowthe platens 32 and 34 to be lowered in a constantly decreasing rate ofspeed and give the operator full benefit of time to position saidplatens for loading. A torsioning arrangement 500 is shown in FIGS. 22.23. and 24 comprising trunnions or brackets 502 mounted upon thetransportation vehicle side and having spaced lugs S03. Lugs are made toreceive a torsion member 506. Platen 34 is furnished with hinge typemembers 510 which are held in place by pins 512 as shown in FIG. 23.These hinge type members are also made to receive the torsion member506. At assembly the torsion rod 506 is inserted and pinned at one endby pin 508 to the trunnion lug 503. and at the other end by pin 509 tohinge member 510 in platen 34. lfthis assembly is completed with platens32 and 34 in a raised position, it is apparent that when said platensare attempted to be lowered, the torsion arm will furnish resistance.This fact will assist operator in positioning platens in a loweredposition for applying lading.

Another embodiment of the method of holding platens in a raised positionas shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. is shown in FIGS. 25, 26. 27 and 28. Inthis embodiment the platens at either end of the transportation vehicleare stored on one side. To insure safety of operator and not havingplatens lower without guidance. FIG. shows an embodiment for safetyapplication. With an empty vehicle the operator can only start with thepair of platens at the end of the car. then work toward the door. Amanually operated safety latch 540 partly hidden by platens 32 and 34comprising a spring loaded engagement portion as described by means 400is opened by pulling handle 542. Chain 544 actuates or opens the latch.Operator can then grasp handle 546 and lower platen. again assisted bytorsioning arrangement 500. if desired.

The next platen is now ready to be lowered. The safety latch 540 whichwill allow this platen to lower was safely hidden behind the first paneland only after the first panel has been lowered can it be operated. Thissafety feature will prevent careless unlatching of platens.

The first or end platen when lowered will rest at vehicle end on ledge548. Also provided on the front half of the lowered panel near thecenter is a projection 550 which will provide. when panel is lowered. aresting plate for the second panel. This projection. when panels are inraised position, will help hold panels in an upright position.

What is claimed is:

l. A multi-level transportation vehicle comprising:

a vehicle having a floor and at least two spaced apart walls;

a plurality of platens pivotally mounted on opposite ones of said walls;

means mounted within said vehicle for holding a distal portion of saidplatens adjacent said walls in a storing position; said platens beingmovable inwardly from said walls from said storing position to anextended position to at least partially define a supplementary floor;

said platens having interlocking means thereon for interlocking saidplatens at a point removed from said spaced apart walls;

said platens having means thereon for supporting an adjacent platen inextended position after it is moved from the storing to the extendedposition;

said spaced apart walls providing substantially the sole support forsaid panels in the extended position.

said interlocking means and platens having sufficient strength totransmit lading shear and bending moment between the platens and providethe sole support for lading placed thereon while the supplementary flooris in use.

2. A transportation vehicle according to claim 1 wherein at least twosupplementary floors are provided.

3. A transportation vehicle according to claim 1 wherein means areprovided on said interlocking means for disengaging the locking meansbefore said platens are placed in storing position.

4. A transportation vehicle according to claim 3 wherein saidinterlocking means automatically engage when said platens are moved intostoring position.

5. A transportation vehicle according to claim 4 wherein saidautomatically engaging interlocking means comprise a locking member anda resilient member biasing said locking member into the locked position.

6. A transportation vehicle according to claim 3 wherein means areprovided on said interlocking means for engaging locking means aftersaid platens are placed in extended position.

7. A transportation vehicle according to claim 6 wherein theinterlocking means comprise a lock actuating member and a locking memberand the actuating member in a locking position holds the locking memberin engagement with the platens spanning the spaced apart walls.

8. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein said lockingmember is a wedge type member.

9. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein said lockingmember is a block type member.

10. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein said lockingmember is a pin type member.

I]. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein each of saidspanning panel members comprise a channel in cross section. the channelof one panel member being smaller than another spanning panel member.the panel member having the smaller cross section filling within thepanel member having the larger channel section. and said locking meansholding said channel sections in engagement in extended position.

12. A transportation vehicle according to claim ll wherein means areprovided on said vehicle to support the first panel placed in extendedposition.

13. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein means areprovided on said vehicle to support the first panel placed in extendedposition.

14. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the means forsupporting an adjacent panel in extended position comprises meansmounted along a side edge of said panel.

15. A transportation vehicle according to claim 14 wherein said meanssupporting an adjacent panel comprises at least one overlap block.

l6. A transportation vehicle according to claim [4 wherein said panelalso comprises means for supporting an oppositely mounted panel in theextended position prior to actuating of the interlock means.

17. A transportation vehicle according to claim l6 wherein the meanswhich supports an adjacent panel also supports an oppositely mountedpanel.

IS. A transportation vehicle according to claim l7 wherein the meanssupporting an adjacent panel and an oppositely mounted panel is at leastone overlap block.

19. A transportation vehicle according to claim 16 wherein the meanssupporting an oppositely mounted panel is at least one overlap block.

20. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the meanssupporting said platens adjacent said walls in stored position comprisesa spring loaded latch means.

21. A transportation vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said vehiclehas separate means affixed to the walls to prevent said platens fromdisengaging from the stored position.

22. A transporation vehicle according to claim 21 wherein automaticrelease means are provided whereby one platen in engaged positionreleases a subsequent panel for movement to operative position.

23. A transportation vehicle according to claim 22 wherein in additionto said automatic release means manual release means are also provided.

24. A transportation vehicle according to claim 22 wherein the automaticrelease means comprise an arm pivotally mounted upon the vehicle sidewall adapted to be engaged by the platen and a latch which holds platensin stored position.

25. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24 wherein said armpivots vertically.

26. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24 wherein said armpivots horizontally.

27. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24 wherein said armmoves vertically.

28. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24 wherein means areprovided which automatically restore the arm to its original position.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein means are provided on saidlatch for allowing automatic engagement of said platens when they areagain placed in stored position.

30. A transportation vehicle according to claim 21 wherein safety meansare provided mounted on one panel for preventing a subsequent panel tobe lowered until actuated manually by the operator.

3!. A transportation vehicle according to claim 30 wherein said safetymeans are associated with latch means holding the platens in storedposition.

32. A transportation vehicle according to claim 21 wherein said vehicleis a railroad car.

33. A transportation vehicle according to claim I wherein a torsion baris provided in said hinge means to assist in moving the panels intoposition.

34. A multi-level transportation vehicle comprising:

a vehicle having a floor and at least two spaced apart walls;

a plurality of platens pivotally and supportably mounted on at least oneof said walls; means mounted within said vehicle for holding a distalportion of said platens adjacent said one wall in a storing position;

said plurality of platens being movable inwardly from said wall fromsaid storing position to an extended position to at least partiallydefine a floor, said platens having interlocking means hinging saidplatens at a point inward from said spaced apart walls;

said interlocking means having a sufficient strength to transmit ladingshear and bending moment between said platens;

said platens having a first transverse edge portion which when saidplatens are extended is generally parallel to said floor;

said first edge portion having means for guiding at least a part of asecond transverse edge portion of adjacent platens when the same aremoved from the storing position to the extended position;

and platen support means mounted on said walls providing substantiallythe sole support for said platens in their extended position so as to atleast partially define a supplementary floor to support lading.

35. A vehicle according to claim 34 wherein follower means are providedon said second edge portion to follow said guiding means on said firstedge portion.

36. A vehicle according to claim 35 wherein the guiding means on saidfirst edge portion is a channel.

37. A vehicle according to claim 36 in which said follower means ispivotably mounted within one of said panels spanning said spaced apartwalls.

38. A vehicle according to claim 37 wherein means are provided on saidplatens associated with said follower means for applying vertical loadsto said platen support means in their extended position.

39. A vehicle according to claim 38 wherein said means for applyingvertical loads resiliently urge said follower means into engagement witha lower track of said channel.

40. A vehicle according to claim 39 wherein said means for applyingvertical loads comprises resilient means mounted on said follower meansbetween the pivot of said follower means and said channel.

41. A vehicle according to claim 39 wherein said interlocking meanshinging said platens allow bending up to about 42. A vehicle accordingto claim 34 wherein said platens define more than one level above saidfloor.

43. A multi-level railway freight car comprising:

a railway car having a floor and at least two spaced apart walls; aplurality of platens pivotally and supportably mounted on at least oneof said walls; means mounted within said car for holding a distalportion of said platens adjacent said one wall in a storing position;

said plurality of platens being movable inwardly from said wall fromsaid storing position to an extended position to at least partiallydefine a floor, said platens having interlocking means hinging saidplatens at a point spaced from said walls; said interlocking meanshaving sufficient strength to transmit lading shear and bending momentbetween said platens;

said platens having a first transverse edge portion which when saidplatens are extended is generally parallel to said floor,

said first edge portion having channel means for guiding at least a partof an adjacent panel member when the same is moved from the storingposition to the extending position;

said adjacent panel member having follower means pivotably mountedwithin said panel for following during extension of the guiding means insaid first edge portion;

platen support means mounted on said walls providing substantially thesole support for said panel members in their extended position so as toat least partially define an additional level or floor to supportlading; and resilient means associated with said follower means fortransferring a substantial portion of vertical lading loads to saidplaten support means.

44. A railway freight car according to claim 43 wherein said platens arepivotally mounted on each of said spaced apart walls.

45. A railway freight car according to claim 44 wherein said platens aremounted on each of said spaced apart walls in a staggered fashion.

46. A railway freight car according to claim 43 wherein all of saidplatens are mounted on one of said spaced apart walls.

47. A multi-level freight car according to claim 43 her which moveswithin said channel.

1. A multi-level transportation vehicle comprising: a vehicle having afloor and at least two spaced apart walls; a plurality of platenspivotally mounted on opposite ones of said walls; means mounted withinsaid vehicle for holding a distal portion of said platens adjacent saidwalls in a storing position; said platens being movable inwardly fromsaid walls from said storing position to an extended position to atleast partially define a supplementary floor; said platens havinginterlocking means thereon for interlocking said platens at a pointremoved from said spaced apart walls; said platens having means thereonfor supporting an adjacent platen in extended position after it is movedfrom the storing to the extended position; said spaced apart wallsproviding substantially the sole support for said panels in the extendedposition; said interlocking means and platens having sufficient strengthto transmit lading shear and bending moment between the platens andprovide the sole support for lading placed thereon while thesupplementary floor is in use.
 2. A transportation vehicle according toclaim 1 wherein at least two supplementary floors are provided.
 3. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 1 wherein means are providedon said interlocking means for disengaging the locking means before saidplatens are placed in storing position.
 4. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 3 wherein said interlocking means automaticallyengage when said platens are moved into storing position.
 5. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 4 wherein said automaticallyengaging interlocking means comprise a locking member and a resilientmember biasing said locking member into the locked position.
 6. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 3 wherein means are providedon said interlocking means for engaging locking means after said platensare placed in extended position.
 7. A transportation vehicle accordingto claim 6 wherein the interlocking means comprise a lock actuatingmember and a locking member and the actuating member in a lockingposition holds the locking member in engagement with the platensspanning the spaced apart walls.
 8. A transportation vehicle accordingto claim 7 wherein said locking member is a wedge type member.
 9. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein said locking memberis a block type member.
 10. A transportation vehicle according to claim7 wherein said locking member is a pin type member.
 11. A transportationvehicle according to claim 7 wherein each of said spanning panel memberscomprise a channel in cross section, the channel of one panel memberbeing smaller than another spanning panel member, the panel memberhaving the smaller cross section filling within the panel member havingthe larger channel section, and said locking means holding said channelsections in engagement in extended position.
 12. A transportationvehicle according to claim 11 wherein means are provided on said vehicleto support the first panel placed in extended position.
 13. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein means are providedon said vehicle to support the first panel placed in extended position.14. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the means forsupporting an adjacent panel in extended position comprises meansmounted along a side edge of said panel.
 15. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 14 wherein said means supporting an adjacent panelcomprises at least one overlap block.
 16. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 14 wherein said panel also comprises means forsupporting an oppositely mounted panel in the extended position prior toactuating of the interlock means.
 17. A transportation vehicle accordingto claim 16 wherein the means which supports an adjacent panel alsosupports an oppositely mounted panel.
 18. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 17 wherein the means supporting an adjacent panel andan oppositely mounted panel is at least one overlap block.
 19. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 16 wherein the meanssupporting an oppositely mounted panel is at least one overlap block.20. A transportation vehicle according to claim 7 wherein the meanssupporting said platens adjacent said walls in stored position comprisesa spring loaded latch means.
 21. A transportation vehicle according toclaim 1 wherein said vehicle has separate means affixed to the walls toprevent said platens from disengaging from the stored position.
 22. Atransporation vehicle according to claim 21 wherein automatic releasemeans are provided whereby one platen in engaged position releases asubsequent panel for movement to operative position.
 23. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 22 wherein in addition to saidautomatic release means manual release means are also provided.
 24. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 22 wherein the automaticrelease means comprise an arm pivotally mounted upon the vehicle sidewall adapted to be engaged by the platen and a latch which holds platensin stored position.
 25. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24wherein said arm pivots vertically.
 26. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 24 wherein said arm pivots horizontally.
 27. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 24 wherein said arm movesvertically.
 28. A transportation vehicle according to claim 24 whereinmeans are provided which automatically restore the arm to its originalposition.
 29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein means are providedon said latch for allowing automatic engagement of said platens whenthey are again placed in stored position.
 30. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 21 wherein safety means are provided mounted on onepanel for preventing a subsequent panel to be lowered until actuatedmanually by the operator.
 31. A transportation vehicle according toclaim 30 wherein said safety means are associated with latch meansholding the platens in stored position.
 32. A transportation vehicleaccording to claim 21 wherein said vehicle is a railroad car.
 33. Atransportation vehicle according to claim 1 wherein a torsion bar isprovided in said hinge means to assist in moving the panels intoposition.
 34. A multi-level transportation vehicle comprising: a vehiclehaving a floor and at least two spaced apart walls; a plurality ofplatens pivotally and supportably mounted on at least one of said walls;means mounted within said vehicle for holding a distal portion of saidplatens adjacent said one wall in a storing position; said plurality ofplatens being movable inwardly from said wall from said storing positionto an extended position to at least partially define a floor, saidplatens having interlocking means hinging said platens at a point inwardfrom said spaced apart walls; said interlocking means having asufficient strength to transmit lading shear and bending moment betweensaid platens; said platens having a first transverse edge portion whichwhen said platens are extended is generally parallel to said floor; saidfirst edge portion having means for guiding at least a part of a secondtransverse edge portion of adjacent platens when the same are moved fromthe storing position to the extended position; and platen support meansmounted on said walls providing substantially the sole support for saidplatens in their extended position so as to at least partially define asupplementary floor to support lading.
 35. A vehicle according to claim34 wherein follower means are provided on said second edge portion tofollow said guiding means on said first edge portion.
 36. A vehicleaccording to claim 35 wherein the guiding means on said first edgeportion is a channel.
 37. A vehicle according to claim 36 in which saidfollower means is pivotably mounted within one of said panels spanningsaid spaced apart walls.
 38. A vehicle according to claim 37 whereinmeans are provided on said platens associated with said follower meansfor applying vertical loads to said platen support means in theirextended position.
 39. A vehicle according to claim 38 wherein saidmeans for applying vertical loads resiliently urge said follower meansinto engagement with a lower track of said channel.
 40. A vehicleaccording to claim 39 wherein said means for applying vertical loadscomprises resilient means mounted on said follower means between thepivot of said follower means and said channel.
 41. A vehicle accordingto claim 39 wherein said interlocking means hinging said platens allowbending up to about 180.degree..
 42. A vehicle according to claim 34wherein said platens define more than one level above said floor.
 43. Amulti-level railway freight car comprising: a railway car having a floorand at least two spaced apart walls; a plurality of platens pivotallyand supportably mounted on at least one of said walls; means mountedwithin said car for holding a distal portion of said platens adjacentsaid one wall in a storing position; said plurality of platens beingmovable inwardly from said wall from said storing position to anextended position to at least partially define a floor, said platenshaving interlocking means hinging said platens at a point spaced fromsaid walls; said interlocking means having sufficient strength totransmit lading shear and bending moment between said platens; saidplatens having a first transverse edge portion which when said platensare extended is generally parallel to said floor, said first edgeportion having channel means for guiding at least a part of an adjacentpanel member when the same is moved from the storing position to theextending position; said adjacent panel member having follower meanspivotably mounted within said panel for following during extension ofthe guiding means in said first edge portion; platen support meansmounted on said walls providing substantially the sole support for saidpanel members in their extended position so as to at least partiallydefine an additional level or floor to support lading; and resilientmeans associated with said follower means for transferring a substantialportion of vertical lading loads to said platen support means.
 44. Arailway freight car according to claim 43 wherein said platens arepivotally mounted on each of said spaced apart walls.
 45. A railwayfreight car according to claim 44 wherein said platens are mounted oneach of said spaced apart walls in a staggered fashion.
 46. A railwayfreight car according to claim 43 wherein all of said platens aremounted on one of said spaced apart walls.
 47. A multi-level freight caraccording to claim 43 wherein said follower means comprises a rollerwhich rides in said channel.
 48. A multi-level freight car according toclaim 47 wherein said car comprises means for supporting at least thefirst platens moved from storing to extended positions.
 49. Amulti-level freight car according to claim 47 wherein said car comprisesmeans for supporting at least the first platens which span said spacedapart walls.
 50. A multi-level freight car accoding to claim 43 whereinsaid follower means comprises a sliding member which moves within saidchannel.